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Thursday, September 8, 2011

I'm testing the HP EliteBook 2760p convertible tablet PC

I admit that I don't understand how HP numbers their products. I've been following the EliteBook 2700p series for several years and here are the model numbers:

2710p

2730p

2740p

2760p

Do you see a pattern? I'm not sure that I do, but this is besides the point. I've been using the 2730p as one of my main portable computers for the past few years. I skipped the 2740p upgrade because I try to space my upgrades to at least every-other-model. This way, I'm not constantly upgrading my gadgets. That's why I still use the original iPad. I'm skipping the iPad 2 and I'm waiting for the iPad 3 or iPad HD.

Now, on to the 2760p. This convertible tablet PC runs Windows 7 and is very similar to the 2740p. The form factor is roughly the same and the 2760p attaches to the same revised ultra-slim base that came with the 2740p. Fortunately, all of the 2700p series use the same standard and slice batteries.

The 2760p gives you the option to have a faster, newer processor, more RAM (up to 16 GB), and a faster SATA II (7200 rpm) hard drive. The older 2740p is still available on the HP website (and you can get some great deals on the HP business outlet for the 2740p). However, if you're looking for the newest and greatest, then the 2760p is the PC to get. I'm reviewing a unit that has the Intel Core i5-2540M CPU running at 2.6 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, and 64-bit Windows 7. Compared to my current 2730p that has an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU running at 1.86 GHz, the new 2760p is blazing fast. Plus, the 2760p seems to run cooler, thanks to better fans and ventilation compared to the older 2730p.